Bryan Said:

Tech Writers, Do U Have Job Advice?

We Answered:

I'm a senior manager for IT work in the Government sector, as a contractor - not a federal employee. Over the years I've had to explain to some tech writers that the need is declining in our industry. Not so long ago, a tech writer was automatically assigned to every project team producing deliverable documents. Today, with the advances in word processing software, the drafts from the technical team (programmers, system administrators, etc.) are nearly ready for publication. The remaining work required is handled by an administrative assistant and by the Project Manager's review.

There are certainly some sectors that continue to demand good tech writers. I don't see IT or Government as having such a high demand.

I know this answer may seem disappointing or even harsh. I believe you are better served knowing this perspective before you make the career shift described in your question. Worse, when we do employ tech writers, we can find one for $40K to $65K even in the expensive Washington, DC job market.

I'll finish with a recommendation I have given to other tech writers. Use your current opportunities to learn the subject matter about which you are writing. Using an example from my field: If you can write a Database Administrator's Guide for an application, you can certainly understand those instructions and become that database administrator. Volunteer to help the testing team so you'll have the chance to use the software (it helps your tech writing anyway) and demonstrate your command of the available functions. You might need a training class or other help getting started, but these are great opportunities. OK, writing an aircraft manual doesn't qualify you as a pilot. However your question notes experience with web content. There is a definite increase in the need for content managers, not for traditional web sites where content management software handles most of the job for the authors and approvers, but for the explosion in collaboration web sites - primarily MS SharePoint. If this doesn't appeal, certainly you have learned some things from your other experiences (donor relations, crisis management, etc.) that can translate into opportunities.

The tech writer career path is fine, and I encourage it if that's what you enjoy. Just understand that the tech writer career path peaks at a lower salary level than these others (my wife teaches young children - talk about a low salary peak!). Even if you are very good, there is always a new crop of cheap tech writers available to corporate employers. Go for it if you enjoy the work and aren't as concerned about the salary.

Good luck whatever path you follow!

Ivan Said:

How do I promote my web magazine, savvychicknews.com on a shoestring?

We Answered:

I would suggest going into every Answers topic and asking for advice from all the readers who want to know who you are and what you sell!